Tensions with Beijing fuel Hong Kong democracy rally

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HONG KONG (AP) — Huge numbers of Hong Kongers are set to take to the streets to push for greater democracy in a rally fuelled by anger over Beijing’s recent warning that it holds the ultimate authority over the southern Chinese financial center.

Organizers expect at least 150,000 to join the Tuesday afternoon protest march to press for reforms allowing residents to elect their leader.

The protest comes days after nearly 800,000 voted in a mock referendum aimed at bolstering support for full democracy.

Ahead of the rally, a small group of protesters burned a copy of a White Paper released by China’s State Council earlier this month that had enraged residents. The policy document said that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy is not inherent but is authorized by the central government.

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